Police warn against mob justice amid rise in cases

Police have expressed concerns over ongoing incidents of mob justice and asked the public to uphold the principle of presumption of innocence for suspects.
This comes after police recorded a number of mob justice incidents in the past week.
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According to the police spokesperson, Kituuma Rusoke, the first incident happened in Kijungu Cell, Kakoba Ward, Kakoba Division, Mbarara City, on August 13, where a one, Ddungu Amidu was lynched to death by a mob after he was found in possession of two stolen and slaughtered goats.
Another incident happened On August 14, between 1:30 AM and 4:00 AM in Kibubu Village, Buikwe District, where five suspects were pursued by mob for allegedly involvement in the theft of two cows.
The suspects identified as; Sunday Swaleh Ricky, John (now deceased), Fahad, Emma, and Shadrach Magere, were chased by a crowd after being suspected of transporting meat on two motorcycles, one of which was registered as UXZ 656P.
"Observers became suspicious of their gunny bags, believing they contained stolen items. When approached for questioning, the suspects fled into the plantation, prompting a chase by the crowd, which resulted in the arrest of two individuals: the deceased John and Shadrach Magere," Rusoke said on Monday.
Rusoke, said the suspects were beaten by the mob, but police intervened and rushed them to Kawolo Hospital, where unfortunately, John died from.
He further noted that the mob continued to search for the remaining suspects, even setting fires in an attempt to flush them out.
"Sunday Swaleh Ricky was eventually cornered and sought refuge with police officers, leading to his arrest and subsequent detention at CPS Lugazi," he stated.
On the same day, at approximately 5:00 AM in Naziga Cell, Kyengera Town Council, Wakiso District, a man named John Sekamate was reportedly attacked by a mob that suspected him of theft.
It is said that Sekamate, was found in possession of a hammer and other tools commonly used for breaking and entering.
"The police intervened to rescue him from being lynched and quickly transported him to Mulago Hospital for medical treatment."
Police recorded another incident of mob justice in Elgon region, on August 16, where a one Edwin Wamutini was stoned to death by an angry mob after being nabbed selling a stolen motorcycle.
On Monday, the police mouthpiece said the mob justice cases are on the rise and urged the public to always allow police conduct proper interrogations before attacking suspects.
"As the Uganda Police, we are deeply concerned about the ongoing incidents of mob justice. We urge the public to uphold the principle of presumption of innocence for suspects and to allow police the opportunity to conduct proper interrogations," he said.